
Luxury Mount Kailash & Tibet Plateau Journey
This carefully designed luxury Mount Kailash & Tibet Plateau journey is created for travelers who wish to experience the spiritual power of Mount Kailash and the vast landscapes of western Tibet without undertaking the Mount Kailash trek (kora).
Instead of long walking days, the itinerary emphasizes scenic drives, sacred viewpoints, ancient monasteries, holy lakes, and cultural exploration, allowing guests to enjoy the region in comfort and at a relaxed pace. Key highlights include Everest Base Camp (North Face), the remote wilderness of Ngari, the ancient Guge Kingdom ruins, Toling Monastery, Lake Manasarovar, and multiple viewpoints of Mount Kailash, including its magnificent south face.
With premium accommodations where available, private transportation, experienced Tibetan guides, and carefully planned acclimatization, this journey is ideal for travelers seeking a high-end, culturally rich, and spiritually meaningful Mount Kailash experience, without the physical demands of trekking at extreme altitude.
This itinerary is especially suitable for:
• Luxury travelers
• Senior travelers
• Spiritual seekers
• Pilgrims who prefer a non-trekking Mount Kailash experience
• Travelers seeking deep cultural immersion across Tibet’s sacred landscapes
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Note: If this 16-day itinerary feels longer than your preferred travel schedule, we are happy to customize the journey into a 13-day or 14-day program, while retaining the key highlights of Mount Kailash and the Tibetan Plateau. Please let us know your available time, and we will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
If you prefer not to return to Lhasa by road, you may fly back from either Burang (Bhurang) Airport or Ngari Gunsa Airport.
• There are two direct flights per week from Ngari Gunsa Airport to Chengdu, operating on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• There are three weekly connecting flights from Ngari Burang Airport to Lhasa, with onward connections from Lhasa to Chengdu, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Please note that flight schedules are subject to change. We will be happy to assist with flight arrangements based on your travel plan.
Arrival in Lhasa (3,650 m) Highlights: Arrival, acclimatization, gentle city exploration Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Tibetan guide and transferred to your luxury hotel in the city center. Expectation: Take it easy—drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and rest well to help your body adapt to the altitude. Overnight: Lhasa Altitude: 3,650 m
Norbulingka & Sera Monastery (3,650 m) Highlights: Tibetan history, monastic debates Morning: Visit Norbulingka, the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. Its tranquil gardens and palaces offer a relaxed introduction to Tibetan history, architecture, and royal life. Afternoon: Drive to Sera Monastery (approx. 15 minutes). Explore the main halls and witness the famous monk debates, a dynamic and fascinating expression of Tibetan Buddhist learning. Overnight: Lhasa Altitude: 3,650 m Travel Distance: Short city drive
Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple (3,650 m) Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spiritual heart of Tibet Morning: Visit the legendary Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Explore sacred chapels, ancient murals, and golden stupas while enjoying panoramic views of Lhasa. Afternoon: Visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet. Join pilgrims on the Barkhor Kora and browse traditional Tibetan handicraft shops around the square. Overnight: Lhasa Altitude: 3,650 m Travel Distance: Walking / short drive
Excursion to Ganden Monastery (4,300 m) Highlights: Pilgrimage paths, mountain scenery Morning: Drive about 1.5 hours (40 km) to Ganden Monastery, dramatically set on a mountain ridge. Attend morning prayers and walk the Ganden Kora, offering sweeping views of valleys, prayer flags, and surrounding peaks. Afternoon: Continue through Drubshi Village, enjoying scenic countryside landscapes with yak pastures and traditional Tibetan homes before returning to Lhasa. Overnight: Lhasa Altitude: Ganden 4,300 m / Lhasa 3,650 m Travel Distance: 80 km round trip
Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karola Glacier – Gyantse – Shigatse (3,900 m) Highlights: Sacred lakes, glaciers, historic towns Drive via Kamba La Pass (4,790 m) for stunning views of turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Enjoy a short lakeside walk. Stop at Karola Glacier (5,100 m) for close-up views before continuing to Gyantse, where you can explore the historic old town. Continue onward to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Overnight: Shigatse Altitude: 3,900 m Travel Distance: 360 km | 7–8 hours
Shigatse – Lhatse – Tingri – Everest Base Camp (5,150 m) Highlights: Himalayan panoramas, Mount Everest Drive west across high passes and open plains via Lhatse and Tingri. On clear days, enjoy views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest. Arrive at Everest Base Camp (North Face). Visit Rongbuk Monastery (4,980 m), the highest monastery in the world, and enjoy sunset views of Everest. Overnight: Rongbuk Monastery Hotel (view room) Altitude: 5,150 m Travel Distance: 350 km | 8–9 hours
Everest Base Camp – Peiku Tso – Saga (4,640 m) Highlights: Remote wilderness, sacred lakes Travel across rugged terrain past Shishapangma Peak and the shimmering Peiku Tso Lake, surrounded by dramatic high-altitude desert landscapes. Overnight: Saga Travel Distance: ~450 km | ~9 hours
Saga – Zhongba – Darchen (4,575 m) Highlights: Nomadic lands, first view of Mount Kailash Cross Mayum La Pass (5,211 m), passing nomadic settlements and yak herds. Enjoy your first awe-inspiring views of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Overnight: Darchen Travel Distance: ~490 km | 8–9 hours
Darchen – Selong Monastery Viewpoint (South Face of Mount Kailash) Highlights: Pilgrim trail, sacred landscapes Short drive along the Lachu Valley pilgrim route to Selong Monastery Viewpoint. Enjoy magical views of the south face of Mount Kailash, surrounding peaks, and distant Lake Manasarovar. Witness a spectacular golden sunset over Mount Kailash. Overnight: Darchen Travel Distance: 10 km | 20 minutes
Darchen – Tsaparang (Guge Kingdom) Visit the Guge Kingdom ruins, featuring ancient temples, murals, and palace remains overlooking the Sutlej Valley. Overnight: Tsada Town
Toling Monastery – Lake Manasarovar ,Explore Toling Monastery, an important 11th-century Buddhist site founded by Rinchen Zangpo. Then drive to Lake Manasarovar, passing through the striking scenery of western Tibet. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the sacred lake. Overnight: Lakeside accommodation
Lake Manasarovar – Saga ,After a peaceful morning at Lake Manasarovar, drive back across the grand Tibetan Plateau to Saga. •Altitude: Saga (4,600 m) •Distance: ~490 km | ~7–8 hours Overnight: Saga Town ⸻
Saga – Shigatse Retrace your journey eastward through wide open landscapes. Return to Shigatse and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. •Altitude: Shigatse (3,800 m) •Distance: ~450 km | ~7–8 hours Overnight: Shigatse
Shigatse – Namling – Seling Tso Lake -Balgon: Visit pristine Seling Tso ,Venture into less-traveled parts of Tibet. Cross through Namling and remote landscapes to reach Balgon, a small village near beautiful hidden lakes. Altitude: Balgon (~4,500m) Distance: ~270km / ~6 hrs Overnight Balgon Town
Balgon - Bamu Tso Lake – Namtso – Lhasa: Visit pristine Bamu Tso lakes, rarely seen by travelers. Continue to world-famous Namtso Lake (4,718m), Tibet’s largest salt lake. After a relaxing visit, return to Lhasa for your final night. Altitude: Lhasa (3,650m) Distance: ~350km / ~7–8 hrs Overnight Lhasa
Departure from Lhasa: Transfer to Lhasa airport or train station. End of a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with sacred mountains, monasteries, lakes, and memories. •Altitude: 3,650m
Inclusive Tour Services (Includes) 1.Tibet Travel Permit – All necessary documentation arranged for your entry into Tibet. 2.Private Transportation – Safe, clean, and comfortable vehicle suited to your group size, with a dependable local driver. 3.Entrance Fees – Admission tickets to all tourist attractions listed in the itinerary. 4.Expert Local Guide – Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip. 5.Accommodation – Based on your preferences. Let us know your desired hotel category when you inquire, and we’ll select the best-value options accordingly. 6.Meals – All meals specified in the itinerary are included. 7.Travel Insurance – Coverage for accidents and casualties during the tour. 8.Bottled Water – Two bottles of mineral water per person per day for your comfort.
Exclusive Tour Services (Not Included) 1.Chinese Visa – Not included. If you require assistance with the visa application process, feel free to contact us for guidance. 2.International Flights – Airfare to and from China or Nepal is not covered. 3.Travel to/from Tibet – Flight or train tickets into or out of Tibet are excluded. If you need help with booking, we’re happy to assist upon request. 4.Single Room Supplement – Tour pricing is based on double occupancy (twin-sharing rooms). If you prefer a private room or room-sharing is unavailable, an additional supplement applies. Please consult your travel advisor for exact rates. 5.Meals Outside Itinerary – Lunch and dinner while in cities, as well as all meals outside of Lhasa and Shigatse, are at your own expense. 6.Tips & Gratuities – Tips for the guide and driver are not included. We suggest budgeting around $7 USD per person per day for both, based on the quality of service received. 7.Force Majeure & Emergencies – Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. natural disasters, traffic restrictions, lost items, visa or flight delays/cancellations, travel insurance, medical treatment, etc.) are not covered. 8.Personal Expenses – Items of a personal nature such as laundry, souvenirs, phone usage, and similar are not included.
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